Repeated checking induces uncertainty about future threat

Studies have shown that obsessive-compulsive (OC) -like repeated checking paradoxically increases memory uncertainty. This study tested if checking also induces uncertainty about future threat by impairing the distinction between danger and safety cues. Participants (n = 54) engaged in a simulated checking task, in which they completed two series of 19 checking trials. The experimental group checked burners on a stove and the control group checked light bulbs. Participants completed two pre-tests (before the first series of checks) and two posttests (one after the first series of checks, the other after the second series). In these tests, they first checked the stove and answered questions about memory confidence and accuracy. Then one of two conditioned stimuli (CS; i.e., a circle) was presented. A CS+ replaced a burner that was on, and a CS- replaced a burner that had been switched off. During each CS presentation, participants rated their shock (UCS) expectancy and confidence about UCS occurrence. Next, the CS+ was followed by the UCS. Analyses showed that the first series of checks did not affect memory accuracy and UCS expectancy, but did reduce confidence about memory and about UCS occurrence in the experimental group, relative to the control group. The second series of checks did not lead to these group differences, compared to the first series. The results demonstrate that repeated checking increases uncertainty not only about memory, but also about future threat

Perseveration induces dissociative uncertainty in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Background and Objectives Obsessive compulsive (OC)-like perseveration paradoxically increases feelings of uncertainty. We studied whether the underlying mechanism between perseveration and uncertainty is a reduced accessibility of meaning (‘semantic satiation’). Methods OCD patients (n = 24) and matched non-clinical controls (n = 24) repeated words 2 (non-perseveration) or 20 times (perseveration). They decided whether this word was related to another target word. Speed of relatedness judgments and feelings of dissociative uncertainty were measured. The effects of real-life perseveration on dissociative uncertainty were tested in a smaller subsample of the OCD group (n = 9). Results Speed of relatedness judgments was not affected by perseveration. However, both groups reported more dissociative uncertainty after perseveration compared to non-perseveration, which was higher in OCD patients. Patients reported more dissociative uncertainty after ‘clinical’ perseveration compared to non-perseveration. Limitations Both parts of this study are limited by some methodological issues and a small sample size. Conclusions Although the mechanism behind ‘perseveration → uncertainty’ is still unclear, results suggest that the effects of perseveration are counterproductive

Perseveration induces dissociative uncertainty in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Background and Objectives Obsessive compulsive (OC)-like perseveration paradoxically increases feelings of uncertainty. We studied whether the underlying mechanism between perseveration and uncertainty is a reduced accessibility of meaning (‘semantic satiation’). Methods OCD patients (n = 24) and matched non-clinical controls (n = 24) repeated words 2 (non-perseveration) or 20 times (perseveration). They decided whether this word was related to another target word. Speed of relatedness judgments and feelings of dissociative uncertainty were measured. The effects of real-life perseveration on dissociative uncertainty were tested in a smaller subsample of the OCD group (n = 9). Results Speed of relatedness judgments was not affected by perseveration. However, both groups reported more dissociative uncertainty after perseveration compared to non-perseveration, which was higher in OCD patients. Patients reported more dissociative uncertainty after ‘clinical’ perseveration compared to non-perseveration. Limitations Both parts of this study are limited by some methodological issues and a small sample size. Conclusions Although the mechanism behind ‘perseveration → uncertainty’ is still unclear, results suggest that the effects of perseveration are counterproductive